PMC 26 v ATC SCM 40

[Andrewjvt]

You need to listen to these speakers for yourself - dont be put off by any comments.

I used to have kef r700 and while very nice sounding speakers the atc scm40s are much much better imo.

 

[Jota180]

I used to have the LS50's and now have the new model ATC SCM40's. Talk of analytical sound is bollocks, they play music and they play it beautifully. From acoustic guitars, electronic music to rock etc. I'd call it more of an accurate sound than an analytical sound as the latter conjures images of cold sounding speakers.

It's not what people, who are used to ported speakers, hear when they listen to non ported ATC's, it's what they don't hear. That ported speaker bass bloom that people associate with warmth. Call it what you will but it isn't real bass and it's not very accurate bass. It's like an undefined bass noise generated to add weight but lacks accuracy. You can become used to this weight and even like it and when you listen to a non ported speaker you wonder 'where the bass has gone'. It's there and it's a more accurate representation than the speakers that rely on tricks to add weight. I'd be interested to hear the sound a port actually makes isolated from the music.

But, as with everything, you need to try the different options out in your own system.

 

[Andrewjvt]

I used to have the LS50's and now have the new model ATC SCM40's.  Talk of analytical sound is bollocks, they play music and they play it beautifully.  From acoustic guitars, electronic music to rock etc.  I'd call it more of an accurate sound than an analytical sound as the latter conjures images of cold sounding speakers.

It's not what people, who are used to ported speakers, hear when they listen to non ported ATC's, it's what they don't hear.  That ported speaker bass bloom that people associate with warmth.  Call it what you will but it isn't real bass and it's not very accurate bass. It's like an undefined bass noise generated to add weight but lacks accuracy.  You can become used to this weight and even like it and when you listen to a non ported speaker you wonder 'where the bass has gone'.   It's there and it's a more accurate representation than the speakers that rely on tricks to add weight. I'd be interested to hear the sound a port actually makes isolated from the music.

But, as with everything, you need to try the different options out in your own system.

I can also add to this. When you first listen to atc speakers you may be very supprised how loud you have turned up the volume and not realized due to the lack of distortion.

The brain interperts distortion as volume but atc speakers are well known for keeping composure at high volume.

 

[Macspur]

Sorry, but I've only ever heard PMC Fact12, but I have owned ATC SCM40, old model, kept them about 6 months and couldn't live with them any longer... However, with electronic music I've never heard a speaker produce such a dynamic 3D sound, but with acoustic and rock they just left me feeling flat... changed to Harbeth and never looked back.

This is only my opinion and fully respect those who enjoy ATC.

Mac

www.macsmusic.blogbubble.net

 

[Gazzip]

A few thoughts, having heard both, but not in direct comparison and a couple of years apart.

They are both more detailed and analytical than your LS50s, of which I'm a big fan. I think their compromises are musical ones, which are easy to tolerate. I agree with those who suggest also looking at higher end KEF. Ref 1s sound much bigger than they have any right to; possibly even than the PMCs.

Of the two, the ATC is more analytical, and would require a better standard of amplifier to get the best from it. Though both PMC and ATC are studio orientated, ATC is closer to what I'd call studio sound. The twenty 26 is more living room friendly to my eyes, and should tolerate slightly more compromised positioning.

If I were wanting a very good set up, with say a decent Naim streaming system, I know the PMCs would do the job. If I wanted to review recordings for a living, I might choose the ATC knowing it wouldn't make mediocre recordings sound good.

I hope this gives you a few subjective pointers. Interested in others views.

I was going to say exactly the same thing as Nopiano. ATC more "studio" than the 26's.

 

[Kubs]

Hi Jota, thanks for sharing - an interesting view regarding bass which I have to agree with (based on my experience).

What amp are you using and do you get that thump in the chest feeling if you crank 40s up?

I think the ls50s are great but lack a bit of speed (just a bit). Or as I mentioned in my earlier post it could be my amp or as suggested my others, my source.

 

[Gazzip]

Also, the PMC Twenty Five Series 26 are much better (my opinion, read different) than the original Twenty Series 26, so make sure you try both as they are each still available to buy as new...

 

[ellisdj]

I recently demo'd SF Olympica and I wouldnt say they have an attacking sound - more refined laid baid character like Monitor Audio Platinum mk1.

When you say attacking what do you actually mean - in what freq range? Bass or treble etc?

The SB Ultras can be attacking sounding subs for bass depending on how you set them up (I have 2 in stereo bass config) so I am guessing you want a more crisp sound - but this is something I think needs a bit of clarification

 

[ErwinC]

Between the PMC, ATC, and KEF models, it'll come down to which one is more friendly to your amplifier, and which speaker your amplifier is more at ease with.

What speaker is the 'most friendly' for the amplifier according to you?

 

[MUSICRAFT]

and now have the new model ATC SCM40's. Talk of analytical sound is bollocks, they play music and they play it beautifully. From acoustic guitars, electronic music to rock etc. I'd call it more of an accurate sound than an analytical sound as the latter conjures images of cold sounding speakers.

Hi Jota180

+1 and just to add what a reviewer said recently - "their midrange domes are the greatest, and the company sound is accuracy defined - but without loss of any musicality or fun factor"

ATC Transducer. The sound of accuracy. Naturally.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Native_bon]

I dnt think am far off really, two other people has stated the fact they sound like monitors. *biggrin* Anyway anyone spending that type of money will surely demo before buying. Only say what I heard during the demo. speakers that sound like studio monitors will show bad recordings & good recordings. I also made mention of the positives of the ATC speakers, so dnt see what the fuss is all about. *nea* Reviews are just that. Not many live up to the expectations of the reviews.

 

[Kubs]

IMO. The Ref 1s have the scale and impact that makes them sound more like Floorstanders. Your amp is revealing and mixes refinement with brute force. Its 500W is more than enough power to drive the Refs....but only you can decide if you like the synergy.

The LS50s are brilliant, but the Ref 1s are in a totally different league...but.....if going this route, I would be looking at upgrading your Source at sometime in the future.

In order to get a feel for what your amp and the Ref 1s are really capable of, try to get a demo with something like an Akurate DS as a Source.

 

 

Hi Cno - you've got me thinking about my source ... So I've started to do some research into Linn ds and I understand they have released a new majik .... Have you heard it by any chance?

 

[CnoEvil]

Hi Cno - you've got me thinking about my source ... So I've started to do some research into Linn ds and I understand they have released a new majik .... Have you heard it by any chance?

No I'm afraid I haven't......but I believe their Room Optiisation system is a good job.

 

[Native_bon]

Am also considering a Linn streamer. Just waiting on my hand made speakers then take it from there. There seems to be so many versions of the streamers.

 

[nopiano]

Am also considering a Linn streamer. Just waiting on my hand made speakers then take it from there. There seems to be so many versions of the streamers.

For you and Kubs, there is lots of info on Linn's own forum, though it took me a while to find my way around. There's a whole DS support area, aside from other headings.

It is another world of dynamik power supplies, Renew versions, and so on. Worth investing some time though for a big purchase!

 

[Kubs]

Thanks Nopiano - I'll take a look.

And Native B, if you happen to demo the new Majik please do share your thoughts ...